If summer means strapping on a life vest and floating down a tumbling river in a [fill in the blank: kayak, tube, canoe, paddleboard], chances are that you’ve landed in Buena Vista. And if you’re lucky, you stopped in for a brew at Eddyline Brewing and sampled the crisp and hoppy River Runners Pale Ale.

The beer has been on tap at the brewery since 2009—and a favorite of mine since then—but it gained notoriety after winning a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival last year. When I heard that the brewery, as a result, was planning to can River Runners, I was elated (less travel and more great beer).

In a can, the brew delivers all the fresh hops—nicely balanced with some malty overtones—that a Coloradan could want while still being approachable for folks that don’t like bitter beers. If you pour it, the brew is a golden honey color with a short head. Drink it from the can, though, preferably beside some bubbling water (whether that’s a river or a backyard water feature).

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Johnson & Wales students, all baking and pastry arts majors, competed in the Gingerbread Takeover from December 6–8. Final judging took place on Thursday in the lobby of the Sheraton Downtown Denver hotel. All photos by Sarah Boyum

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The American Society of Interior Designers' (ASID) Colorado Chapter decorated the Governor's Residence for the holidays. Holiday tours, free and open to the public, will take place December 8-11 and December 15-18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All photos by Sarah Boyum